29 
Wigtownshire, that one of these birds frequented his policies in 
1862 for about ten days, and was frequently seen near the house. 
It has once occurred in Renfrewshire—a specimen having been 
shot near Port-Glasgow in October, 1863. 

CUCULID:. 
THE ComMMON Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus). 
Very common throughout the whole district. In passing north- 
ward it halts for a time on Ailsa Craig, and enlivens that isolated 
spot with its familiar salutation. These visits, however, are brief 
and uncertain. Mr Anderson has observed that all the specimens 
yearly killed by him immediately after their arrival appear to be 
in the moult. 
INSESSORES. 
FISSIROSTRES. MEROPID. 
Tue RouuEerR (Coracias garrula). 
The late Dr Landsborough informed Mr Gray many years ago 
that a specimen of this rare bird was shot near Stevenston, in 
Ayrshire, about the year 1833. It has occurred in some of the 
neighbouring counties, but not elsewhere in our district. 
THE BEE EATER (Merops apiaster). 
In the summer of 1832 a bee eater was shot at Logan Garden, 
in the parish of Kirkmaiden, Wigtownshire. The species has 
occurred frequently in the eastern counties of Scotland, but is 
decidedly rare in the west. 
HALCYONID. 
THE KINGFISHER (Alcedo ispida). 
The brilliant kingfisher is not uncommon on all our streams, 
preferring, however, those whose banks are clothed with birch 
and alder trees, or other overhanging bushes, in which it can 
perch and look out for prey. It breeds on the banks of the 
Stinchar and Girvan Water, and other picturesque streams, and 
delights the rambler in its romantic haunts as it whirrs past him 
when changing its pools. We have seen it fishing in company 
with the dipper in severe weather, when both were glad to avail 
themselves of an opening in the ice. On one occasion four or five 
dippers—probably a brood of the previous summer—had assem- 
bled at such an opening, and were perched in a half-circle, when 
